A World War II Army veteran has survived not one, but two pandemics.
Milton Zaczek celebrated his 101st Birthday in early November with an enjoyable get-together with friends. Just a few weeks later, he received a less than pleasant surprise -- a COVID-19 diagnosis, according to the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System.
Early one day, Zaczek had planned to go driving with a friend but began to feel ill. He felt so sick that he asked his friend to take him instead to the Emergency Department at the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System in Prescott.
Zaczek was admitted to the hospital for treatment.
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“The food was great, but I missed my home and my own bed,” said Zaczek in a release. “The nurses, doctors, and all the staff were absolutely professional and accommodating. They were so concerned and always made sure that I was comfortable and had everything I needed.”
According to the blog, Zaczek served in the Army from 1941 to 1945 as a squad leader in the Infantry. Serving on the front line, he said that he remembers it like it was just yesterday.
He said he can clearly remember fighting against the Japanese.
“They opened up with a machine gun on my squad,” said Zaczek. “The guy next to me was shot and I pulled him out of the line of fire and did what I could until the medics arrived.”
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The soldier caught up with Zaczek years later to say thank you for saving his life.
During the war, Zaczek also served in the Panama Canal, Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and finally Germany. When his company was deployed to the Philippines, they were ordered to climb a mountain and overtake an enemy’s position.
Zaczek recalls it was a huge mountain, but his team completed the mission and saved a nearby village. His unit received a Presidential Citation for their actions.
Born during the Spanish Influenza pandemic, Zaczek was cared for by his brother while his parents were at work. He’s been told that one day, he became feverish and his brother became so alarmed that he took him to a local doctor for help.
Just like then, Zaczek has recovered from a serious illness and returned home.
“I am finally feeling back to myself,” said Zaczek. “Lying in bed for five days takes a toll on you and now I want to get back to normal.”
While Zaczek’s daughter, who lives in Maryland, calls every day to check-in, he’s is looking forward to traveling around Arizona with his friend. He said they have plans to go to Thumb Butte and Sedona soon.
“Milton has given me hope,” said Dr. Kara Johnson, Zacke’s primary care provider. “He lived through the Spanish Influenza, WWII, COVID-19, and he still has such a positive attitude. He has helped me to see that we all can push through and live our lives.”
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com
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